My boyfriend and I have driven through NJ several times on vacations, and a few times have needed to stop for gas. New Jersey has a state law that disallows one from pumping his or her own gas. What is the rationale behind this law?
2007-11-17 15:47:40 · 7 answers · asked by VeggieTart -- Let's Go Caps! 7 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
It's to "protect the citizens of New Jersey" from the likes of accidental explosions, health hazards associated with exposure to gas, etc.
New Jersey is a great state, but it can be a bit regulation-happy. Back in the 80's, they actually had a restriction on how eggs could be served (sunnyside up versus over-easy, etc.), claiming it was to protect NJ citizens from the hazards of under-cooked eggs. I'm not kidding. Thank goodness they did away with that one.
Happy Travels!
Kango Traveler
2007-11-20 21:10:33 · answer #1 · answered by KangoTraveler 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wondered that too on my last trip to NJ... The Garden State is one of two states where it's illegal to fill 'er up yourself. Only gas station owners or employees can pump gas in New Jersey and Oregon -- "the only two states atavistic, sadistic, and masochistic enough to still require thousands of 'professionals' to waste time, money, and inconvenience customers," according to one columnist. The ban on self-service gas stations is a highly combustible issue and makes for some heated debates. New Jersey passed the law making it illegal to pump your own gas in 1949. At the time, legislators felt it was too dangerous to have untrained people dispensing such a flammable liquid. That may have been sensible at the time, but pumping gas is much safer today, and some motorists feel the ban is outdated and needs to go. Opponents of the law argue that removing it would lower the cost of gas and make refueling much quicker and more convenient. Proponents of the ban argue that it creates jobs and customers like full service. Whatever your position on the matter, next time you're in Jersey and need to refuel, take the opportunity to relax in the comfort of your car while the gas station attendant does the dirty work.
2016-05-24 01:18:19 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll also add that in som of the rural Western parts and Southern parts of the state, most of the attendents don't mind if you pump your own gas.
I never pumped my own gas until I was 26 and moved out of state!
2007-11-18 03:38:53 · answer #3 · answered by Sharon F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the same reason other states have the same law. Millions of people have voted for this mandated practice.
Feel free to rally millions more against it.
2007-11-17 15:59:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I forgot how in 18 years and had to get help when I went up to Washington. Embarrassing
2007-11-19 04:50:47 · answer #5 · answered by carmen v 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
INsurance regulations, you could get hurt and sue the company, so this is how they stop it.
2007-11-17 15:53:39 · answer #6 · answered by Scrappy52 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i miss it. I'm in FL now, and have to do it myself. yet I'm still paying the same price....hmmm....
2007-11-17 16:42:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋